Manchester United on TV: Carling Cup quarterfinal and Champions League survival

November 24, 2011

Manchester United prepare for an important few weeks ahead as the chase for silverware gets a little bit more significant with some key fixtures coming thick and fast as the busy Christmas period looms.

As well as the matter of playing catch-up with Manchester City’s irrepressible Galacticos, the Red Devils are participating in the advanced stages of the Carling Cup and the small matter of completing qualification for the knock-out stages for the UEFA Champions League still needs to be done.

Manchester United v Crystal Palace

The English champions entertain the Eagles at Old Trafford on Wednesday 30th November as a League Cup semi-final beckons for the victors. The home team will be strong favourites to progress in the competition but the visitors will ensure that it won’t be a dead rubber and in fact a keenly-contested affair.

With United expected to make several changes and demote several stars such as Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic from the match day squad, the Londoners will fancy their chances at Old Trafford. It has been several years since either side met after Palace’s relegation from the top flight several seasons ago and this will only increase their appetite all the more as they make a rare visit to the home of the top team in the country.

Despite the gulf in class with each club’s respective squad, it will certainly be a feisty clash between both sets of players as the stakes are high and the rewards even higher for the eventual winner.

Wednesday, 30th November 7:45pm on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports HD 2.

Basel v Manchester United

Seven days after that Carling Cup encounter, United face a crucial game against the Swiss champions as the winner on the night will be advancing towards the knock-out stages of the UEFA Champions League.

So far, the English club have struggled badly with performances and results in the group phase and this is reflected through their lackluster displays in two wins and three draws so far. Heiko Vogel’s team gave the Manchester side a massive scare at Old Trafford when the hosts had to made do with a 3-3 draw thanks to a late equaliser from Ashley Young.

With United on 9 points and Basel peering over their shoulders on 8 points, it is certain to be an intense game which the home supporters will be up for big time.

Wednesday, 7th December 7:45pm on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD 1.

QPR v Manchester United

QPR have had a mixed season with hammerings from Bolton and Fulham to beating Chelsea and narrowly losing to league leaders Manchester City 3-2. They have all the reasons to be all fired up for the reigning champions, Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping that his men will not lose more ground on their local rivals. Picking up all three points is the only way if they want to test Roberto Mancini’s men.

United’s eagerness to win can produce an open game if Neil Warnock decides to take it to the 19 time champions. They currently hold the 9th spot on the table, level on points with 8th spot Aston Villa. If United is to drop points at Loftus Road, the gap between them and City will widen.

Historically speaking, Man Utd has dominated QPR both home and away with a record of 23W-10D-6L. The two teams last faced each other in the Carling Cup in 2008, where Carlos Tevez scored the only goal of the game.

Sunday, 18th December 12:00pm on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD 1.

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Hi mate. In regards to Liverpool, I believe they can get a result too. And they need the points as much as City do. I just refuse to root for them even for this one occasion. I lost all respect for them the day they brought "Gary Neville or Chelsea" banners to the ground and cheered on Lampard's 2nd goal. They showed as much integrity as the Stoke fans did the following week at Old Trafford.

Costas - haha obertan's head is immense honestly, i'm amazed everytime i see that masterpiece.

As for tiote and cabaye, quality players indeed also add ben arfa and demba ba to the list, they'll be genuine threats on saturday and united's defence have to be in great concentrations for 90 mins and beyond that.

During Giggsy's early years Best once compared him to him self..... I love Giggs to bits but no one compares to you George, there will never be a player as good as you, you were ours and you were the best that the game will ever see.

I have no prejudice against any color, religion or race, in fact I love to learn about different cultures, religions etc... However Northern Ireland has a special place in my heart because of Best and of course a certain RoM poster

Too young to have watched Besty but you only have to watch footage to appreciate how far beyond his years he was. My old man always argues with anyone who puts Pele and Maradonna above Best or Charton.

Lots of comments on Obertan and he is completely repectful of United in the run up. It didnt work out for him but we saved him from french football wilderness and now he is shining at Newcastle. i am happy for the lad and make no mistake Paddy needs to have an eye on him tomorrow.

@giggs12gerrard0: same here....my old man always maintained that Pele didnt have a thing on Georgie Best.
And, is Obertan available for tomorrow? I always liked the guy...hope he scores an own goal tomorrow though :)

Sound mate just saw it never knew your were from Lebanon. Thats the love of Manchester United mate i buzz of global fans.

We were away at Birmingham the year before last when some cunt was haivng a go in the pub outside the ground asking why we supported a club like united and does it not piss us off we have global support (More choice wording used the racist cunt)

My one liner back was no you dick head we are the biggets club in teh world not England and why the fuck would someone want to support Birmingham you scruffy cunt.